Search This Blog

A wide choice of topics covered from the dawn of history right up to present days . Many of these have a wider relevance than purely within the context of Strathearn . The author's viewpoint often is at variance with the accepted opinions espoused elsewhere eg The Jacobite Uprisings and The Reformation .

Posts

Alexander Porteous wrote the “ The History of Crieff “ which was
published in 1912 and to this day
is recognised as the definitive account of the towns illustrious and historic past . The following account reflects clearly how traditions can quite
easily be forgotten as the social pattern change with the passing years . We look at two festivals
which occurred close to one another at the start of the new year . Handsel Monday ,
alas is
gone but the other Hogmanay has
gone from strength to strength both
locally here in the Strath , in Scotland
and indeed the World !

“Two time
honoured institutions – or perhaps they may more suitably be
called festivals - for long celebrated
in Crieff , as elsewhere , were “
Hogmanay “ the last evening of the year , and “ Handsel Monday “ , the first
Monday of the New Year ( old style ) . The
celebration of these still lingers , more from a legendary point of view
, amongst the youngsters of Crieff ; but well on into the s…

Retired part time lecturer at Perth College and former rugby correspondent to our local paper the Strathearn Herald .Former President and a Honorary Member of Crieff & Strathearn Rugby Club. Written 4 books on the local history of Strathearn .